In fact Sadiq Khan saw 7% more people voting for him than first preferences in 2021, but Susan Hall got 9% fewer votes than Shaun Bailey. The turnout in the West Midlands was only 30%, as it was in Tees Valley, while in London it was more than 40%, much higher than in any of the other mayoral contests. However, very few people, irrespective of politics, would argue that implies Andy Street or Ben Houchen were poorer candidates than Susan Hall.Turnout will be driven by the relative effect an election has on people’s lives as well as the level of political engagement, which is clearly highest in London. The London Mayor’s role is pretty limited compared to say the Mayor of New York, with a much smaller proportion of spending under their control. Further devolution of powers would certainly drive up turnout.Finally, this election confirms Sadiq Khan’s mandate for ULEZ expansion. Susan Hall’s prime policy to reverse it was not the electoral winner she imagined. In fact an opinion poll just before the election showed rising support for expansion, with 50% in favour and 39% against. Incidentally the same poll had Khan winning by 13%, close to the 11% outcome.
Tom Pike ● 293d